I'll be heading across the ditch in February next year. My wife and I are very excited about it. I wondered if I could pick your brains on a few things. I've got a lot of questions, but right now the main ones are:

1) Can anybody suggest a good teacher? I've done a few searches and there are hundreds to choose from. I wouldn't be looking for a specialist teacher at first (ie not a "jazz teacher" or "funk teacher") but someone with good all round knowledge in a lot of different styles. Location isn't too much of an issue as long as they are within the city, but if it helps we are looking at Brunswick and Richmond as likely places to live.

2) Also looking for a brief rundown on the drum shops. I'm familiar with Allens (not the Melbourne store, but I've spent a bit of time in the Sydney store), and a brief Google search shows a bunch of others. It's a bit hard to gauge them from their websites though. Looks like they all specialise in different brands. Any that have a particularly good reputation? (Any that have a particularly BAD reputation? haha) Of course I will familiarise myself with what's there after I arrive but it's a good idea to see what other people think.

3) Last thing (for now anyway!), and it's kind of a strange question, but what is the gig culture like? More for going to gigs than playing them, I mean. Here in Wellington gigs start really late, and I get a bit pissed off with it. What would a typical start time be for a bar gig? I saw Aloe Blacc earlier this year and the tickets said "Show starts at 8pm SHARP", but of course even the opening act didn't come on until 9:30 or so. Of course I will just deal with whatever it's like over there, but I don't want to apply my Wellington sensibilities to a Melbourne show and miss the first half of it!

Cheers guys. Appreciate any replies :) Might see some of you at a show.

Nigel

Pocket-full-of-gold

11-26-2011 02:28 AM

Re: Attention Melbourne drummers!

1. Check here: http://www.drumtek.com.au/drum-school.html There's a few guys there who I've seen in various outfits over the years.....some of them big names on the local scene. I know they can all play. And knowing Frank Corniola's reputation, he wouldn't hire any slouches anyway. Northcote is not too far from Brunswick (5 to 10 mins drive).

2. Allans recently aquired Billy Hydes, they were the premier drum retailer in Melbourne. But now they are one in the same. If you move to Brunswick then you're also very close to their Flemington store. That one has been my "home store" since I was a kid. Drumtek is also a retail outlet and there is also Drummers Paradise in Richmond if you decide to move there: http://www.drummersparadise.com.au/
Outside of that, there are any number of smaller stores scattered around the city and suburbs too.

3. I'm out of that loop at present, but the number of live venues is certainly not what it once was.....all the old haunts over run by dreaded pokies. There's still places to play, but as an outsider looking in, the scene sure seems to be a lot smaller than what it was when I was in it.
Typically we used to start at 9 or 10 though, depending on venue, how many sets we were booked for, if there were other bands playing etc etc.

kettles

11-26-2011 02:49 AM

Re: Attention Melbourne drummers!

Gota hate the dreaded kiwi late start. Been to so many local gigs with 4/5 bands playing and the first one doesn't start until 10-10:30. My worst one would have been when we were last on a six band show, started setting up my gear on stage at 1:30am.... I think there's a tendancy for punters to just not head out early, pushing the bands back further, it's a vicious cycle. I'm envious of you going to Melbourne, my teacher spent a long time there and says great things.

Doctor Dirt

11-26-2011 03:17 AM

Re: Attention Melbourne drummers!

Why don't the promoters have a common kit set up so theres no tear down and set up time? A drummer brings his pedals snare, cymbals, you have a basic rider to supply stands just like any other event with multi bands playing. I just did a benefit last Sunday with a common kit there for 9 bands without it the event would fall behind after 3 bands.
If you know the bands (drummers) just call or email each other and coordinate the set up, its easy! Doc

Pollyanna

11-26-2011 03:46 AM

Re: Attention Melbourne drummers!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pocket-full-of-gold
(Post 918782)

but the number of live venues is certainly not what it once was.....all the old haunts over run by dreaded pokies. There's still places to play, but as an outsider looking in, the scene sure seems to be a lot smaller than what it was when I was in it.

I was in Melbourne about 10 years ago and was amazed at how good the scene was compared with Syd. What a shame to hear you've gone down the drain like us. I take it there was a change in the gaming machine laws ... that's how it happened here. We're simply not as profitable as the machines.

Pocket-full-of-gold

11-26-2011 08:41 AM

Re: Attention Melbourne drummers!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doctor Dirt
(Post 918807)

Why don't the promoters have a common kit set up so theres no tear down and set up time? A drummer brings his pedals snare, cymbals, you have a basic rider to supply stands just like any other event with multi bands playing.

I've certainly shared before, but the communal kit thing really is a rareity here in Oz. Even with multiple acts on the bill, you'll find that most bands will use their own rigs. Just the way it is.

As for promoters.....at pub gigs?? Not in this town mate. If a band wants promotion here in Melbourne, you either get big enough to build a following and hope the buzz catches, you pay someone to do it for you or you do the leg work yourself. Pubs will book your spot and then tend to do precious little outside of that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pollyanna
(Post 918824)

I was in Melbourne about 10 years ago and was amazed at how good the scene was compared with Syd. What a shame to hear you've gone down the drain like us. I take it there was a change in the gaming machine laws ... that's how it happened here. We're simply not as profitable as the machines.

There's still venues Pol....and maybe if I was hitting them more regularly then I may find that there are a hell of a lot more that I don't know about.....but so, so many of the venues that were "coveted gigs" when I was playing all the time, are no longer. I drive around with my wife and seem to be forever pointing out pubs that I used to play in but have now obviously jumped on the slot machine bandwagon.

Pollyanna

11-26-2011 11:27 AM

Re: Attention Melbourne drummers!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pocket-full-of-gold
(Post 918869)

There's still venues Pol....and maybe if I was hitting them more regularly then I may find that there are a hell of a lot more that I don't know about.....but so, so many of the venues that were "coveted gigs" when I was playing all the time, are no longer. I drive around with my wife and seem to be forever pointing out pubs that I used to play in but have now obviously jumped on the slot machine bandwagon.

Exactly the same for me (except I don't have a wife).

Mr Mantalini

11-28-2011 12:43 PM

Re: Attention Melbourne drummers!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pocket-full-of-gold
(Post 918782)

1. Check here: http://www.drumtek.com.au/drum-school.html There's a few guys there who I've seen in various outfits over the years.....some of them big names on the local scene. I know they can all play. And knowing Frank Corniola's reputation, he wouldn't hire any slouches anyway. Northcote is not too far from Brunswick (5 to 10 mins drive).

2. Allans recently aquired Billy Hydes, they were the premier drum retailer in Melbourne. But now they are one in the same. If you move to Brunswick then you're also very close to their Flemington store. That one has been my "home store" since I was a kid. Drumtek is also a retail outlet and there is also Drummers Paradise in Richmond if you decide to move there: http://www.drummersparadise.com.au/
Outside of that, there are any number of smaller stores scattered around the city and suburbs too.

3. I'm out of that loop at present, but the number of live venues is certainly not what it once was.....all the old haunts over run by dreaded pokies. There's still places to play, but as an outsider looking in, the scene sure seems to be a lot smaller than what it was when I was in it.
Typically we used to start at 9 or 10 though, depending on venue, how many sets we were booked for, if there were other bands playing etc etc.

This is a really helpful post actually, I hadn't come across that Drumtek website. Looks pretty good. I haven't had a teacher since high school anyway, just got back into it about a year ago under my own steam, so it's not like I need a world class teacher at the moment, ha.

It's funny to see you guys talking about how diminished the scene is there...I mean, I'm sure it is, but from over here it looks like an embarrassment of riches. One thing I'm curious about, what's the ratio of drummers to other musos like? Over here there seems to be a shortage of drummers, so it's not hard to find opportunities to play. Is there a lot of competition over there?

I had a couple if questions I was going to ask when I logged in but they've totally deserted me....will get back to you later.

Mr Mantalini

11-28-2011 12:46 PM

Re: Attention Melbourne drummers!

Quote:

Originally Posted by kettles
(Post 918792)

Gota hate the dreaded kiwi late start. Been to so many local gigs with 4/5 bands playing and the first one doesn't start until 10-10:30. My worst one would have been when we were last on a six band show, started setting up my gear on stage at 1:30am.... I think there's a tendancy for punters to just not head out early, pushing the bands back further, it's a vicious cycle. I'm envious of you going to Melbourne, my teacher spent a long time there and says great things.

Yeah I think you're right. Seems a lot of people try to get all their drinking in before they leave home to save money, so start times get pushed back so the bar can make some money. Vicious cycle like you said.

Mr Mantalini

12-02-2011 10:03 PM

Re: Attention Melbourne drummers!

Got another question:

Are there many rehearsal spaces geared towards solo practice? I've found quite a few for groups, and several of them mention in passing that individuals can book rooms as well, but the info on that is quite light. If possible I'd like somewhere that I could leave gear in (either set up or in a storage locker etc).... after I get some gear to leave, ha. And of course, it goes without saying, but the cheaper the better :)

Cheers guys

Pocket-full-of-gold

12-03-2011 12:30 AM

Re: Attention Melbourne drummers!

There's numerous rehearsal studios around. Some of them have a lockable facility where you can leave your drums there but you still have to pack them up and leave them in a dedicated storage room as opposed to leaving them out in the reharsal room.

I'm yet to encounter rehearsal spaces like in America where several bands hire a room and all leave their gear there set up and ready for next time. All of the rooms I've ever used are hired by the hour and your gear has to be packed up each time and either taken with you....or left in a storage room if they have one available.

I'm not saying this type of rehearsal space doesn't exist here....but I've certainly never seen one.

major_panic

12-08-2011 01:26 PM

Re: Attention Melbourne drummers!

Hey mate, I have a slightly different perspective from PFOG, who's been in the game for far longer..!

Drumtek is definitely one of the better shops for general expertise, teaching and so on. If you're out closer to where I am, then Drum Power in Bayswater isn't bad either - the guys there are very friendly and helpful at all times.

Can't help you with a teacher, unfortunately, but PFOG has that covered pretty well.

In terms of picking up with a band and beginning to gig... I'm afraid I have to point you toward a local forum, www.ausband.com.au - the guys there are mostly from Melbourne and always helpful. And they'll steer you toward good gigs to see too, I'm sure. Most of the up-and-coming local music seems (to me anyway) to largely be on display in venues such as Revolver, the Northcote Social Club, the Esplanade Hotel, the East Brunswick Hotel and the Corner Hotel.

Agreed with PFOG on the rehearsal space thing. Expect to carry your own gear everywhere, and have to set up and tear down between each rehearsal.

BassDriver

12-09-2011 07:23 AM

Re: Attention Melbourne drummers!

Quote:

2) Also looking for a brief rundown on the drum shops. I'm familiar with Allens (not the Melbourne store, but I've spent a bit of time in the Sydney store), and a brief Google search shows a bunch of others. It's a bit hard to gauge them from their websites though. Looks like they all specialise in different brands. Any that have a particularly good reputation? (Any that have a particularly BAD reputation? haha) Of course I will familiarise myself with what's there after I arrive but it's a good idea to see what other people think.

Quote:

1. Check here: http://www.drumtek.com.au/drum-school.html There's a few guys there who I've seen in various outfits over the years.....some of them big names on the local scene. I know they can all play. And knowing Frank Corniola's reputation, he wouldn't hire any slouches anyway. Northcote is not too far from Brunswick (5 to 10 mins drive).

+1. I would also recommend Drumtek.

Quote:

3) Last thing (for now anyway!), and it's kind of a strange question, but what is the gig culture like? More for going to gigs than playing them, I mean. Here in Wellington gigs start really late, and I get a bit pissed off with it. What would a typical start time be for a bar gig? I saw Aloe Blacc earlier this year and the tickets said "Show starts at 8pm SHARP", but of course even the opening act didn't come on until 9:30 or so. Of course I will just deal with whatever it's like over there, but I don't want to apply my Wellington sensibilities to a Melbourne show and miss the first half of it!

I do not gig so I cannot speak from personal experience about performing at gigs but from what I have read in the paper live music is more popular than going to the football.

...
BTW, if you are interested in the local gig scene, I would recommend searching the gig/arts section of the newspaper (like The Age newspaper which also has a weekly gig guide) and tuning into to radio stations that are big on promoting the gig scene - like PBS 106.7 FM (http://www.pbsfm.org.au/), Triple R (http://www.rrr.org.au/) or Triple J (http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/).

Mr Mantalini

12-26-2011 12:14 PM

Re: Attention Melbourne drummers!

Hey guys,

First let me apologise for taking so long to reply, things have been a bit hectic over the last couple of weeks. All these replies are really useful. I've been checking out Drumtek a fair bit, and even though their website is horrible I have come across a lot of people singing their praises. Will definitely be checking them out.

The Ausband forum looks like it could come in very handy! I get the impression that there is a slight shortage of drummers, at least in relation to the numbers of other musicians. Does that jibe with your experience on the ground? It is similar over here. As soon as you mention that you play somebody will chime in with how they've looking for a drummer etc etc.

One of the questions I had that had slipped my mind was about gig guides/radio stations etc, so those recommendations are very welcome. You know, it's funny moving to somewhere so similar. I was saying to my wife that I almost think it would be easier moving somewhere totally alien, like Japan. Things are so different that you have to make a deliberate effort to adjust and learn how the place works. Going somewhere almost the same, but not quite, makes it easier to be tripped up by the little differences.

Anyway, thanks for the input. Hope you guys are having a good holiday.